Minkey
Welcome to Minkey
Please email the Minkey team at juniors@waverleyhc.org.au if you have any queries.
What is Minkey?
Minkey aims to introduce children to the game of hockey. The name is derived from “MINi hocKEY”, and originated in Australia more than 20 years ago. The programme is designed to introduce children to the skills involved in field hockey in a safe, non-competitive atmosphere with the emphasis on involvement and fun.
The children progress through skill levels gaining awards / certificates as they progress. The program runs on a half (or smaller) sized field and consists of skill based activities and a simplified game. Children under the age of 10 who have not played hockey before should start at Minkey before progressing into an age appropriate junior team.
The Waverley Minkey Program aims to:
- Encourage as many children as possible to participate in hockey regardless of ability, age or size
- Build an enthusiastic attitude towards participation in sport and an appreciation of the need for teamwork
- Provide a safe and happy environment in which to develop in each player the knowledge, skills and rules of the game of hockey
- Develop good behavioural patterns in the participation of, and the acceptance of rule and regulations associated with, playing in a team sport
- Encourage family involvement and help build a strong club
Minkey Skill levels
Waverley Hockey Club Minkey offers a skill-based program to enable children to progress towards playing Junior hockey.
The program has 12 skill levels split into Koala, Croc, Roo and Kookaburras with 3 levels per animal (bronze, silver, gold). At each level a list of skills is associated with a requirement.
The program aims for older children (7 plus) to achieve a Croc level within their first year.
Uniform
Players are not required to wear the Club uniform. It is recommended that they wear a tracksuit and sneakers. Children who return to Minkey for a second year receive a Minkey shirt.
After Minkey – what next?
Recommended group next step after a season of Minkey is based on a players age group (under 7s should continue on with another year of Minkey) and Minkey skill level as per below:
| Level achieved | Bronze | Silver | Gold |
| Koala | Minkey | Minkey | Minkey |
| Croc | Minkey | Minkey | Minkey or Under 9 |
| Roo | Under 9 / 11 / 13 | Under 9 / 11 / 13 | Under 9 / 11 / 13 |
| Kookaburras | Under 9 / 11 / 13 | Under 9 / 11 / 13 | Under 9 / 11 / 13 |
KEY MINKEY INFO
Minkey dates
Start date: 2012 season TBC
Breaks: 9th June, 7th July
End date: Saturday 31st August
Weekly Minkey details
Day: Saturdays
Venue: Waverley hockey club ground, cnr Winbirra Pde & High St Rd, Ashwood
Time: 10.45am – 12 noon
Need to bring: mouth guard, stick, shin pads. Hat if sunny, Rain coat if drizzling.
Balls are provided.
Registration fees
Per child: $120
This includes: stick, ball, bag, shin pads or for 2nd year children Minkey top
How can parents get involved?
Parents support is key to running a successful Minkey program! We need help each week on the ground (setup / coaching) and also off the ground – we will be cutting up fruit each week for the kids (and siblings) when they finish. On occasion we will also need help cooking a BBQ for the kids.
In addition, assistance is required on a weekly basis to minimise the administration done by one person. Tasks include updating attendance lists and writing a short article for the newsletter, if shared they take a very small amount of time each week.
